Your Academy is a series of in-person symposiums and online educational events that are focused on core and emerging dermatology and dermatopathology topics. The goal is to improve each physician and clinician's clinicopathologic correlation which leads to better patient management. About It is now more important than ever to understand the importance of the close cross-fertilization that occurs among dermatology, dermatopathology, and industry. In order to plan optimal treatment and provide the best patient care, correlation between dermatologists and pathologists is crucial. In this ever-changing field, clinicopathologic correlation also helps to guide research, new drugs, and device product development within dermatology. We hope you will join us at one of our upcoming conferences or events! Clay J. Cockerell, MD Our Team Educational Director Clay Cockerell, MD Educational Manager Brand McCarley Educational Consultant Kim Campbell

Practical Symposium | Summer Sharpen Your Dermatology, Clinicopathologic & Business Skills. Join us August 20-23, 2026, in Vail, CO Posters & Abstracts PS Home All posters and abstracts must be approved by the Practical Symposium Scientific Committee before the meeting. Approval will be determined by the submission of an abstract; please note the following guidelines: Please submit your abstract for pre-approval to Martha Hallett – mhallett@mdmeetingdesigns.com . The deadline for abstract submission is August 1, 2026. The author must be registered and in attendance at the Practical Symposium. Indicate which author(s) will be in attendance when you submit your abstract. Requests for exemption should be made with the submission. You will be advised as to approvals soon after your submission is received. Poster specifications will be sent with approval. If you have additional questions? Contact Martha Hallett Email: mhallett@mdmeetingdesigns.com Phone: 508-713-0906

Darrell Rigel, MD, MS < Back Darrell Rigel, MD, MS Faculty Darrell Rigel, MD MS is an internationally acclaimed leader in the field of Dermatology with a focus on Melanoma, Skin Cancer, and Prevention. He has presented over 1000 lectures nationally and internationally on these subjects to physicians, government agencies, pharma, and the public. He regularly appears on CNN, Fox, ABC, and NBC, and his views are quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today and he is the Team Dermatologist for the New York Yankees. He is a graduate of MIT with a BS in Management Information Science and an MBA (SM) from the MIT Sloan School of Management. While working as a research fellow at the National Cancer Institute, he obtained his MD from George Washington University. He completed an internship at New York Hospital-Cornell and a Dermatology residency and Dermatologic Surgery fellowship at New York University and currently serves as a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Mt. Sinai Icahn School of Medicine. Dr. Rigel has been a leader in Dermatology for over 3 decades having been selected by his peers to lead them as President of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and American Dermatological Association. He also served as Vice-President of the American Board of Dermatology during his 13 years of service there. Dr. Rigel is actively involved in national public health and healthcare economic policy initiatives serving as a consultant to government and industry. He is regularly called on for his expertise on these issues by White House administrations and has testified multiple times before Congress and the FDA. He also serves as the Scientific Co-Chair of the Fall and Winter Clinical Dermatology Conferences leading the effort to provide clinical education annually to over 2000 of his colleagues. In addition, he maintains a University-based practice at the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine in Manhattan focusing on Melanoma, Skin Cancer, and related dermatological issues. PS Home

Labatory improvement reduce turnaround time.Continuous Specimen Flow Changes Night Shifts to Day Shifts While Reducing Turn-Around-Time < Back Continuous Specimen Flow Changes Night Shifts to Day Shifts While Reducing Turn-Around-Time Clay Cockerell, MD, JD, MDA | Mary deBram-Hart, BS, HT | Erico Von Bueren, PhD, MD, MOR | Brenda Wander | Mark Fussner, BS, CT | Claudio Scancich | Craig Reed | Brand McCarley Jul 26, 2022 Labatory improvement reduce turnaround time. To reduce average TAT from 36-42 hours to 24-26 hours, the laboratory was restructured to include, relocation and a new floor plan for linear specimen workflow with a larger workspace. Conventional tissue processors were replaced with continuous flow, rapid tissue processors, cassette batch sizes reduced to an maximum of 32, and fully automated embedding was introduced. Personnel was rescheduled to decrease family unfriendly working hours (3pm-5am) and total hours, while increasing laboratory efficiency. MATERIALS & METHODS Customized WinSURGE® (Computer Trust Corp) Scanning Records using customized tools in Microsoft ® Excel ® 2013. Floorplans analyzing pathway crossings. Analysis of scheduled personnel shifts, family unfriendly (3pm-5am) schedules, and overtime. Analysis of cassette number reduction by increasing the number of spatially separated cross sectioned ellipse/s in Tissue-Tek® Paraform® Sectionable Cassette Systems (Sakura Finetek, Torrance, CA). Specimens were processed on Tissue-Tek VIP® 5, Tissue-Tek Xpress® x120, and embedded on Tissue-Tek AutoTEC® (Sakura Finetek, Torrance, CA). RESULTS The Paraform Sectionable Cassette System allows multiple cross sectioned ellipse/s in one cassette, locking their orientation from grossing to microtomy. Using Paraform Cassettes resulted in less cassettes grossed, processed, embedded, sectioned, and less slides stained and reviewed. Daily volumes decreased from 1,600 to 1,358 (-13%), reducing costs and increasing profitability. OLD vs. NEW LABORATORY SETUP The new laboratory set-up reduced overall daily working time for the entire Team from 215.5 hrs. to 136 hrs. (-79.5 hrs./-37%) while reducing the daily family unfriendly time (3pm to 5am) by 61% from 119.5 hrs. to 44 hrs./ 75%. The highest reduction of working and family unfriendly time was achieved in Embedding: -52 hrs./-100%, followed by Microtomy and Grossing. The Grossing and Microtomy Teams assist loading and unloading the Tissue-Tek Xpress x120 and Tissue-Tek AutoTEC, allowing task variety. The 4 stacked graphs on the left show the effect on working hours, the 4 stacked graphs on the right show the effect on family unfriendly hours. Noticeably, cumulative overtime was reduced from an average daily total of 16 hours to 0 hours. Overall, all Teams highly appreciated these changes and do not want to return to the previous set-up. CONCLUSIONS Specimens are oriented at grossing eliminating misorientation with manual embedding. Excisions can have multiple cross sectioned ellipse/s and are correctly oriented at grossing using Paraform Sectionable Cassette System reducing the total number of cassettes generated. Only 2% of the daily volume needs manual embedding due to specialty circumstances. Utilization of the Tissue-Tek Xpress x120 and Tissue-Tek AutoTEC allows 80% of specimens to be ready for microtomy within 7 hours after arrival into the laboratory. Continuous flow, rapid tissue processing means no more large batches, bottlenecks, or waiting time. The Tissue-Tek AutoTEC allowed 6 Histotechnicians to change their hours from night shift to day shift, allowing them to work more employee/family friendly shifts. Better hours and less blocks meant staff are able to perform additional duties allowing variety during the work day.  Designing a laboratory in a new building with a Lean workflow floor plan eliminated retraced steps and excessive walking time. Clients, Pathologists, and employees are happier. ABOUT CLAY J. COCKERELL, MD, JD, MBA Dr. Clay J. Cockerell is a world-renowned specialist in treating and diagnosing skin disorders and has diagnosed over three million biopsies. An internationally recognized pioneer in his field and double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Cockerell has been practicing medicine since 1986. He is currently the Founder & President of Cockerell Dermatopathology and the Program Director of the Health Education Services dermatology residency program sponsored by the Lake Granbury Medical Center. Also, Dr. Cockerell sees patients a few days per month to assist with resident training and to keep his clinicopathological skills sharp. Dr. Cockerell has held numerous leadership positions within several highly regarded medical associations. Most notably, he served as the President, Secretary & Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Dermatology, President of the Texas Dermatological Society, and President of the Dallas Dermatological Society. Also, Dr. Cockerell holds leadership roles as Founder and President of Cockerell Dermatopathology and a former AmeriPath Board of Directors member. Dr. Cockerell and his wife, Brenda, had a lifelong dream of producing wine and, in 2005, purchased a vineyard in Calistoga, California. They now produce wine under the Coquerel Family Wine Estates label. Dr. Cockerel and Brenda have two children, Charles and Lillian, and they have been married for forty-six years. In addition, Dr. Cockerell and Brenda enjoy traveling, golf, and winter sports. ABOUT COCKERELL DERMATOPATHOLOGY The Cockerell Dermatopathology story begins with Dr. Clay J. Cockerell's vision to establish a practice whose mission is to treat each specimen as if it came from one of own family members. Family! At Cockerell Dermatopathology, every employee is driven by a relentless pursuit of diagnostic excellence. We specialize in evaluating dermatologic disorders, tackling cases ranging from the routine to the most challenging. Our practice continuously invests in cutting-edge technologies to best serve each referring clinician and their patients. These innovations result in higher-quality diagnostic slides, quicker turnaround times for routine cases, and seamless deployment of EMR interfaces. From an educational perspective, Cockerell Dermatopathology is more than a dermatopathology practice. We host numerous in-person and internet-based education events and boast a state-of-the-art 14-headed microscope for dermatology resident training sessions. Our services extend beyond borders, serving hundreds of clinicians in Texas, throughout the United States, and globally. With a highly accessible team of board-certified dermatopathologists and a dedicated support staff, our vision is simple yet profound. Family, we treat every specimen as if it were from one of our own family members. Previous Next

Business 201 Symposium Lectures designed for residents, attending physicians and medical students. Online Lectures Clay's Message Agenda Lecture Library Fac ulty Industry Partners Social Media “I'm a dermatologist and we never learned these business insights in our training. The faculty provided essential tips. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from all experts in the field. Great and informative conference.”

Business 201 Faculty < Back Mark Spalding Executive Wealth Manager For two decades, Mark has advised high net worth individuals and families experiencing a variety of financial issues including divorce, business sales, retirement planning, and inheritance. Mark brings to FPA his extensive experience providing financial and wealth management advice, which in many cases includes wealth preservation and income strategies as the cornerstone of the portfolio design and construction. He takes special care to tailor each portfolio to meet the unique requirements, specific goals and objectives, and stated risk tolerance of each client. Mark is regularly engaged by other professional advisors, CPAs, and attorneys whose clients require financial advice on such matters as property division recommendations, tax and wealth preservation strategies, and asset allocation recommendations. Mark transitioned into being a financial advisor after many years of practicing law. In that role, he regularly worked with clients experiencing large financial transactions, noting that the all too frequent lack of effective planning for major life events left many legal clients bereft of their financial goals. Mark’s legal expertise enhances his financial advice and adds a layer of comfort to clients facing complex financial issues. By applying a proper balance of both disciplines, he more ably helps clients plan for their futures and build portfolios that account for taxes and estate planning laws. Outside of work, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He’s served on the boards of several non-profit organizations focused on veterans and children. He is an avid athlete, having played college football at UCLA, but he has since replaced his cleats with snowboard boots, golf clubs, and a fishing pole. Mark is a former Marine Corps officer who deeply values integrity, honesty, and loyalty in his relationships. http://www.finplaninfo.com Business201 Home

Brian Berman, MD, PhD < Back Brian Berman, MD, PhD Faculty Professor Emeritus of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL Co-Director Center for Clinical and Cosmetic Research Skin and Cancer Associates, Aventura, FL Senior Scientific Advisor and Acting Chief Medical OfficerBerg Health, Framingham, MA Dr. Brian Berman is Professor Emeritus of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery at The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and has had the honor of serving as a member of the Board of Directors and Vice President of the American Academy of Dermatology. He is Past President of the American Dermatological Association. Dr. Berman is Secretary of the American Cutaneous Oncology Society, Secretary of the American Hyperhidrosis Medical Society, past President and the Founder of The National Association of Veterans Affairs Dermatologists, and serves on the Scientific Advisory / Editorial Boards of The European Journal of Dermatology, SKINmed, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, Dermatology Digest, and SKIN, and edited The Miami Review series. In addition to caring for patients at Skin and Cancer Associates in Aventura, FL, Dr. Berman is Co-Director of the Center for Clinical and Cosmetic Research, continuing his broad-based clinical research program while focusing on the study of the control of scarring and skin cancer. He has presented at over 300 local, regional, state, national and international dermatologic societies and conferences and authored of more than 250 peer-reviewed scientific and clinical articles, chapters and books. In 2021 the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery recognized Dr. Berman as “Practitioner of the Year.” D. Berman serves as Senior Scientific Advisor and Acting Chief Medical Officer at Berg Health, a clinical-stage, AI-powered biotechnology company. PS Home

Antoanella Calame, MD Antoanella Calame, MD Faculty Dr. Antoanella Calame received her MD degree from University of California, San Diego (UCSD) after graduating Summa Cum Laude from California Lutheran University. She completed her residency in Dermatology at UCSD, followed by a Dermatopathology Fellowship at University of Texas, Southwestern (UTSW) in Dallas, Texas, where she trained with Dr. Clay Cockerell, one of the world leaders in the field of Dermatopathology. Dr. Calame is board certified in Dermatology and Dermatopathology and holds over thirty active state licenses. She is the author of a book on Cutaneous Manifestations of HIV disease and has published numerous peer reviewed scientific papers. Dr. Calame is an invited speaker at local and national conferences every year. She has a special interest in melanoma and melanocytic lesions and is actively involved with the newest clinical and molecular techniques used in the diagnosis and prognosis of cutaneous melanoma. Dr. Calame is the founder and director of Compass Dermatopathology, Poway Dermatology, and the Dermatology Center of La Jolla. She practices Dermatopathology full time and spends a limited time seeing Dermatology patients. Dr. Calame teaches Dermatology and Dermatopathology to the UCSD and Navy Dermatology residents, as well as Dermatology and Pathology residents who come to rotate with her from all over the United States and the world. She has received the annual Excellence in Teaching Award from UTSW and UCSD four times. Dr. Calame’s interests outside of work include tennis, yoga, camping, and spending time with her family. PS Winter Home

Business 201 Faculty < Back Jeff Libby Partner Jeff Libby is more than an outstanding attorney and counselor; he is a trusted advisor. Jeff's practice focuses on commercial real estate and commercial loan transactions in which he assists clients on a local and national basis in a wide array of development, leasing, lending and construction matters. Mr. Libby works alongside developers of medical office buildings, retail shopping centers, multifamily complexes and single-family lots assisting with site acquisition, due diligence, subdivision and platting, zoning, entitlements and financing, as well as the construction of improvements, leasing, management and asset disposition. Jeff helps landlords and tenants successfully negotiate their commercial lease agreements, and counsels owners and contractors throughout the construction process. Mr. Libby also assists local community banks and national institutional lenders in processing and closing commercial loan transactions. Specialties Include: Commercial Real Estate Transactions Commercial Loan Transactions Commercial Lending Site Acquisition and Disposition Sale-Leaseback Transactions Medical Office Building Development Retail Development Mixed Use Development, Shopping Center Development Office Building Development Multifamily Development Single-Family Development Leasing (Landlord / Tenant) Medical Office Leasing Retail Leasing Shopping Center Leasing Commercial Office Leasing Industrial Leasing Warehouse Leasing Construction (Owner, Contractor, Subcontractor) Entitlements and Zoning Business Loan Transactions (Lender / Borrower) Commercial Mortgage Loans (Lender / Borrower) Title and Survey Easements Covenants, Conditions and Restictions (CCRs) Deed Restrictions Owner Associations Business Transactions Corporate Transactions https://www.libbysparks.com/ Business201 Home

Chris Bandel < Back Chris Bandel Educational Manager Cockerell Dermatopathology , Dermatopathologist Assistant Dermpath On Demand, Co-Educational Manager Bio coming soon. DOD Home

Whitney High, MD, JD, MEng Whitney High, MD, JD, MEng Faculty Professor of Dermatology Vice-Chairman, Dermatology Director of Dermatology Clinic Director of Dermatopathology Laboratory, University of Colorado Whitney A. High, MD, MEng, a native of Colorado, is the Vice Chairman of Dermatology, and the Director of both the Dermatology Clinic and the Dermatopathology Laboratory at the University of Colorado. He is board-certified in Dermatology and Dermatopathology. He also has certification in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene. After practicing as a chemical engineer in the industry, Dr. High returned to medical school to receive his medical degree from the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine. Dr. High completed his dermatology residency training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, serving as Chief Resident. He completed his dermatopathology fellowship at the University of Colorado. Dr. High is appointed to the Departments of Dermatology & Pathology at the University of Colorado. His research laboratory was the first in the world to discover gadolinium in the tissue of patients with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Dr. High also has a degree in law from the University of Denver. He has authored 4 textbooks, 40 chapters, and more than 80 medical papers. He has served as an editor/editorial board member in many top medical journals in his fields. Dr. High’s current research interests include: Pigmented lesions Medicolegal issues Infectious disease/sexually transmitted disease Pharmacological and toxicological dermatology/dermatopathology Advanced biochemical testing applied to dermatology/dermatopathology PS Winter Home

Adam Rubin, MD < Back Adam Rubin, MD Faculty University of Pennsylvania Associate Professor of Dermatology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Associate Professor of Dermatology in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Associate Professor of Dermatology in Pediatrics PS Home